 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tom Roche
Date: 2002-02-15 01:01
Hello,
Recently I had a Martin Freres Bb clarinet overhauled that was identified as a Supra Model on the bell. It is a great looking clarinet with silver plated keys, deep dark wood that could, but not sure, be ebony, and an extra key that closes along with the usual key for low F/third space C, as well as an extra ring for the G/middle C fingering. I would like to know the value/ history of this instrument as well as the quality of manufacture if possible.I have played this instrument numerous times and found it quite a good instrument. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom Roche, Connecticut
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Author: Mike
Date: 2002-02-15 13:08
I saw a martin frere in a pawn shop going for around $140 it looked in bad shape I might go back & buy it if it is worth it
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2002-02-15 14:01
About 4 months ago I restored an older Martin Freres model which looked beautiful also but, despite my best efforts, didn't play all that great when it was done. I sold it for a pittance because nobody showed any interest in it.
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2014-02-12 21:07
Recently I acquired a Martin Freres Supra clarinet for almost nothing.
Quality of wood is very good. The silver plated keywork is ok but looks a little 'cheap'.
I could not detect any advantage of the extra venting of the G/D.
The intonation seems fine. The sound is small and less rich compared to a Yamaha SEV. However with the right mouthpiece it could problably turn into a fairly decent instrument.
Are there more MFS owners on this board and what mouthpiece do you use?
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Author: TAS
Date: 2014-02-14 04:23
I agree that a good mouthpiece/reed combination would be helpful with this instrument.
It's a Chevy, not a Mercedes...but it still gets you from point A to point B.
TAS
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2014-02-14 14:47
For about a year now I've had a Martin Freres "Philharmonic Deluxe" clarinet (ca. 1950s, I'm guessing but I really have no way to tell its actual manufacture date) and after a thorough restoration it plays really well. To my ear it sounds much like a good Buffet R-13, but the keywork plating is sub-par (rough) and the keywork is mechanically a bit sloppy, tendencies I've noted on the few other vintage Martin Freres soprano and bass clarinet I have worked on.
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